There are fabulous radio programs from the United States and Great Britain available as free podcasts1 or for download in various audio formats. Here are a few of my favorites:

Marketplace — an engaging look at business and culture, "Marketplace explains highfalutin' finance with honesty, simplicity, and a human touch."

Culture Shock — Looking across the world at trends in cultural expression. An exploration of what people are thinking, buying and doing. Produced by the BBC World Service.

This American Life — is a one-of-a-kind story-telling show, usually nonfiction and about everyday people, often hilariously funny and sometimes heartbreakingly sad. Arguably some of the best programming ever produced in the USA.

The World — very good international news coverage from Public Radio International.

Fresh Air — a talk show that breaks the "talk show" mold with host Terry Gross. Gross is known for her fearless and insightful interviews with prominent figures in American arts, politics, and popular culture. Listen here

Radio Lab — a quirky experimental talk radio show that explores topics centering around neuroscience, philosophy, psychology and the intersections between science and art.